Marijuana Misuse Increases Depression Risk

A new study shows that heavy users of marijuana are at elevated risk for depression. According to the 15-year study by Dr. Gregory B. Bovasso, adults who abused marijuana were four times more likely to report symptoms of depression compared to those who never used the drug.
Marijuana smokers were more likely to have suicidal thoughts and a lack of interest in things that once held their interest. ‘Treatments or other interventions that prevent the abuse of cannabis from occurring in the first place are important, Bovasso said. “On a general policy level, marijuana may not be as harmless as many believe,”
Bovasso said additional research is needed to determine how excessive marijuana smoking leads to a higher risk of depression, and how much marijuana put people at risk of becoming depressed.Source: Dr G B Bovasso American journal of Psychiatry December 2001.